9 Best Portable Solar Generators: Ultimate Review Guide for 2019

Did you know that renewable sources of energy like solar energy are gaining more and more impetus? All over the world, individuals, BN /6-es, as well as governments, are inclining the energy needs toward solar energy to reduce the carbon footprint. These days, with the help of a portable solar generator, you can efficiently harness …

9 Best Portable Solar Generators: Ultimate Review Guide for 2019 Read More »

The post 9 Best Portable Solar Generators: Ultimate Review Guide for 2019 appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

10 Frugal Automatic Watering Systems Your Potted Plants Will Love

Are you heading out of town for a few days and need a way to keep your plants watered? Would you like to find an economical DIY option? I have you covered! I’m going to bring you some of the easiest and most affordable DIY automatic watering systems available. I’ll also share a few of […]

The post 10 Frugal Automatic Watering Systems Your Potted Plants Will Love appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Poppies for Decorative Seed Pods, Spice, and Beauty

I've been a culinary herb gardener for most of my adult life. For the past few years, though, I've been expanding beyond herbs and mastering the art of growing spices. To me, spices are a bit more challenging than herbs because you have to grow the plants longer to get a harvest. Many times, it's […]

The post Growing Poppies for Decorative Seed Pods, Spice, and Beauty appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Carbon to Nitrogen Compost Calculator: Create the Perfect Compost Pile

Do you want to create a perfect compost pile? Well, according to the USDA, the ideal carbon to nitrogen rate for optimal microbial action in a compost pile is between 20:1 and 40:1, with 24:1 being the absolute sweet spot. So, you can either build a pile and hope for the best… or, you can […]

The post Carbon to Nitrogen Compost Calculator: Create the Perfect Compost Pile appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Edible Schoolyard NYC Brings Gardens To Low-Income Schools

Greenhouse at Brooklyn school garden Imagine a school where inner-city kids spend part of their day in a garden learning to grow and cook organic foods. Sounds pretty amazing, right? Edible Schoolyard is an organization that makes that happen. In Brooklyn, they transformed this elementary school parking lot into a thriving half-acre organic farm. The […]

The post Edible Schoolyard NYC Brings Gardens To Low-Income Schools appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

10 Natural Fly Repellents To Help Rid Your Home Of Flies

Using natural fly repellents can be effective to rid your home of flies. Before we get started with the list of natural fly remedies, it’s important to note that you must identify the exact species of fly you’re dealing with before you can get rid of it. You have to know your enemy, right? The […]

The post 10 Natural Fly Repellents To Help Rid Your Home Of Flies appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

16 DIY Salad Table Ideas to Get Fresh Salad With Little Garden Space

Do you live in a smaller area and assume you can’t grow much (if any) type of garden? You may not be able to grow large quantities or even larger vegetables, but you should be able to produce something. Salad tables are becoming quite the rage. They allow people to have a little garden – […]

The post 16 DIY Salad Table Ideas to Get Fresh Salad With Little Garden Space appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How To Prevent Common Sweet Corn Diseases

Know what to look for when it comes to corn diseases. Sweet corn takes up more garden space than most crops and it’s also fairly demanding in terms of moisture and nutrients. The incomparable taste of freshly-picked corn, though, is enough to encourage gardeners to continue to grow it. Native to Central America, sweet corn […]

The post How To Prevent Common Sweet Corn Diseases appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Harvesting Mulberries: Nature’s Tastiest Wild Treat

Harvesting Mulberries is a pretty easy task. Fruit-loving foragers unite! Just when you think you have tried all berries possible, there always seems to be one more to spark some interest. Do you remember ever singing about going “’round the mulberry bush” as a young child? Well, these berries are more than just part of […]

The post Harvesting Mulberries: Nature’s Tastiest Wild Treat appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Easy German Potato Salad (Plus 5 Tips to Pick the Best Potatoes)

This hot German potato salad recipe gives a healthy twist to a classic side dish. We also give tips to help you pick the best potatoes for potato salad to maximize flavor and nutrition. 5 Tips to Pick the Best Potatoes for Potato Salad Choose waxy potatoes. Small fingering potatoes or new young potatoes hold […]

The post Easy German Potato Salad (Plus 5 Tips to Pick the Best Potatoes) appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Start a Perennial Garden

Starting a beautiful and productive perennial garden doesn't happen on accident. Gardeners need to plan, prepare the soil, and learn appropriate planting practices to establish that gorgeous dream garden. It's worth the effort. The best part about starting a perennial garden is that after you get it going, your plants will continue to grow each […]

The post How to Start a Perennial Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Summer Gardens – Dealing with High Temps in the Garden

Most summer gardens are in full swing by early July; the plants are growing like crazy and the harvest is finally coming in. The days are wonderful…. and hot. While summer vegetable crops do love heat, there is only so much they can take. Understanding how heat affects you and your crops will make gardening […]

The post Summer Gardens – Dealing with High Temps in the Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Dealing With Hurricanes, Floods, And Summer Storm Surges

A storm surge consists of the most dangerous flooding a hurricane can cause. Hurricane season has once again come to call, with people throughout the coastal states checking the National Hurricane Center’s website to know about the latest potential or next upcoming threat. Those threats are real too, with people losing their lives and billions […]

The post Dealing With Hurricanes, Floods, And Summer Storm Surges appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Reasons Why Fishing Is A Survivalists Lifehack

When living off grid, fishing can ensure your ability to survive. Pitching camp near a body of water is one of the best ways to ensure your capacity to survive. Water is necessary for the sustenance of life. Where there is water, there is the opportunity to snag supper on a reliably regular basis. With […]

The post Reasons Why Fishing Is A Survivalists Lifehack appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Cantaloupe: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Cantaloupe

I still remember the first time I tried growing cantaloupe. I selected a dwarf type because of the shorter maturation period and my compact growing space. Since I was eager to try my hand at some kind of fruit, melon seemed like a fun choice. That summer, I managed to grow a single melon. I […]

The post Growing Cantaloupe: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Cantaloupe appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Surviving Extreme Heat Without Air Conditioning

Surviving Extreme Heat In The Summer Time Can Be An Emergency Situation. I don’t know how it is where you live, but where I live, it’s over 100 degrees Fahrenheit half the days of the year. We only end up using our home’s furnace a couple of weeks in January and February and then, it’s […]

The post Surviving Extreme Heat Without Air Conditioning appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

6 Types of Soil and Which Plants Grow Best on Them

Soil might not seem like it's that important; it’s just dirt, right? Wrong! Soil provides your plants with all of the vital nutrients, air, and water that they need to grow and thrive. Soil is like your diet – if you eat food that isn't nutritious, you won't be as healthy as you could be. […]

The post 6 Types of Soil and Which Plants Grow Best on Them appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Canning Cherries with Honey

When someone offers to send you a whole box of freshly picked Bing cherries? You say yes. Even if canning cherries will add an extra measure of craziness in between back-to-back trips and 4-H events. And that’s exactly what happened when Northwest Cherry Growers emailed me and offer to ship me a box of cherries […]

The post Canning Cherries with Honey appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

35 Easy Ways to Lower your Grocery Bill by 50% or More

We all want to save money on our grocery bills. Food is expensive! According to the USDA, the average family of four (2 adults and 2 children that aren’t teenagers) spends somewhere between $200 and $246 per week on groceries. That’s nearly $1000 per month just for food, and that doesn’t include eating out. If […]

The post 35 Easy Ways to Lower your Grocery Bill by 50% or More appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

35 Easy Ways to Lower your Grocery Bill by 50% or More

We all want to save money on our grocery bills. Food is expensive! According to the USDA, the average family of four (2 adults and 2 children that aren’t teenagers) spends somewhere between $200 and $246 per week on groceries. That’s nearly $1000 per month just for food, and that doesn’t include eating out. If […]

The post 35 Easy Ways to Lower your Grocery Bill by 50% or More appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Licorice: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care and Harvest Licorice

When people think of licorice, they usually imagine the black, chewy candy you can buy in the store. I was the same until I started growing licorice, and now the plant plays such a huge part in our medicinal garden that I can't imagine being without it. The root of the licorice plant is incredibly […]

The post Growing Licorice: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care and Harvest Licorice appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

5 Ways to Preserve Peaches – Plus the Easiest Way to Peel Peaches

Each year I preserve peaches in a variety of ways, stashing some for us to enjoy and some to use as gifts. (I have yet to find someone who does not appreciate homemade peach jam.) In this post I'll cover the easiest way to peel peaches, as well as canning, dehydrating, freezing, peach jam and […]

The post 5 Ways to Preserve Peaches – Plus the Easiest Way to Peel Peaches appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

10 Fast Mid-Summer Vegetables You Still Can Plant From Seed

We are now well into the warmer months of the year, but you can still plant mid-summer vegetables from seed. When you think about planting mid-summer vegetables in the garden – especially planting from seed – you might get a mental image of those early spring plantings just as your garden is getting started for […]

The post 10 Fast Mid-Summer Vegetables You Still Can Plant From Seed appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Olla Irrigation System: A Water-Wise Way to Irrigate Small Gardens

Are you hoping to water your garden easily, quickly, and without spending a ton of money on an irrigation system? You’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through the olla irrigation system. This is an inexpensive system and can be fully DIY if that’s your cup of tea. I’ll share with […]

The post Olla Irrigation System: A Water-Wise Way to Irrigate Small Gardens appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Beetroot Gnocchi with Mushroom and Truffle Oil Sauce

After trying beetroot gnocchi at a top quality restaurant close to Mount Warning in New South Wales, Australia, I was determined to try and create something similar. So here goes. Beetroot Gnocchi Recipe Yield: around 75 gnocchi Prep Time: 40 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Print Ingredients Gnocchi 2 […]

The post Beetroot Gnocchi with Mushroom and Truffle Oil Sauce appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The 5 Best Ways to Stake Tomatoes

I'm obsessed with growing perfect tomatoes. In a good year, my plants can get enormous and be weighed down with an abundance of fruit. One of the secrets to my success is properly staking my tomatoes. If you don't stake your tomato plants the right way, you risk branches breaking or the entire plant tipping […]

The post The 5 Best Ways to Stake Tomatoes appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Garden Soil Inoculant: What It Is and Why You Need It

About 78% of our atmosphere is made up of nitrogen. It's in the air we breathe and is necessary for plants (and humans) to survive. So how do you help your plants get all the nitrogen they need to thrive? The answer is garden soil inoculant. By inoculating your legume plants, you help to add […]

The post Garden Soil Inoculant: What It Is and Why You Need It appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Survival Garden: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

Everybody has a theory on what to do to prepare for survival should something tragic happen. People wisely prepare for natural disasters, war, economic collapse, or smaller events like power outages or money problems. No matter the reason for getting prepared, one thing is sure. Food is key to keeping your family nourished and well […]

The post Survival Garden: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

13 Child-Friendly Chicken Breeds

Just because you have little ones doesn’t mean you need to avoid raising chickens! While many people assume that raising a flock of backyard chickens if off-limits if you have kids, the opposite is actually true. Raising chickens is a great way to improve your kids’ self-esteem, autonomy, and interaction with the natural environment. However, […]

The post 13 Child-Friendly Chicken Breeds appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How Does a Rotor Sprinkler System Work and Would It Suit Your Garden?

Are you on the hunt for the perfect irrigation system? Choosing the right irrigation system is a big decision, and you should have all the information before making such an investment. I was searching approximately one year ago for the perfect irrigation system and found the rotor irrigation system. It has worked well for our […]

The post How Does a Rotor Sprinkler System Work and Would It Suit Your Garden? appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

What Is The Best Caliber For Self Defense Shooting?

Bullet selection is vital when it comes to self defense shooting Few topics can light up a range-side or gun store discussion like handgun caliber. Most every long-time handgun owner feels strongly about one caliber or another being the best. When speaking of self defense use, the term “stopping power” almost always enters the discussion. […]

The post What Is The Best Caliber For Self Defense Shooting? appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Allelopathic Plants: What Are They, The List, and How To (and Not To) Use Them

The first time I heard someone mention allelopathic plants, I thought the speaker said, “holipathic.” I'd done lots of dabbling in holipathic medicine. So, I believed for a minute, we were talking about plants that promoted good health in humans. The speaker listed sunflowers, mustard, buckwheat, and tillage radish as plants that fell into this […]

The post Allelopathic Plants: What Are They, The List, and How To (and Not To) Use Them appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Spray Irrigation System: How Does It Work, Sprinkler Types, Pros, and Cons

Watering your garden or lawn can be quite the chore. You might want to understand the different irrigation options, to pick the one best suited to your homestead. Once you dive into each irrigation choice and understand how you can make some options less expensive, you can lighten your load. I’m going to walk you […]

The post Spray Irrigation System: How Does It Work, Sprinkler Types, Pros, and Cons appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Are White Pumpkins Edible and Healthy?

If orange is the new black, then is white the new orange? It might be for pumpkins! White pumpkins used to be a rare find, but now you can see them just about anywhere in the fall. These pumpkins can be a bit more expensive to purchase from the store, but luckily, they are incredibly […]

The post Are White Pumpkins Edible and Healthy? appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Bone Meal Fertilizer: What You Need to Know to Make It Work in Your Garden

Bone meal is exactly what it sounds like: bones that have been finely ground into dust. Typically, the bones are a by-product of the beef industry. Once they're ground up, the bones undergo a sterilization process that eliminates potential bacteria and microbes and increases nutrient availability. The result is bone meal fertilizer. So why is […]

The post Bone Meal Fertilizer: What You Need to Know to Make It Work in Your Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

What You Need to Know to Safely Compost Dog Poop

Many countries around the world have started banning the use of plastic grocery bags. Some cities and states in the US are also either already doing it or considering doing it. We all know plastic bags are a serious environmental problem. So, this seems like a great idea in theory. Unfortunately, in some places, banning […]

The post What You Need to Know to Safely Compost Dog Poop appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The Must Have Sine Wave Inverter, The Real Secret To Solar Power

What type of sine wave inverter works best for your solar power needs? When most people think about solar panel systems, they think of the panels themselves. Those monocrystalline or polycrystalline black panels of about two feet by four feet. Solar panels themselves are ubiquitous in our society, and they can be seen on everything […]

The post The Must Have Sine Wave Inverter, The Real Secret To Solar Power appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

A Getting Started Guide to Mushroom Farming for Beginners

Does growing mushrooms at home sound like a fun endeavor? Are you considering mushroom farming for your family or to make a small profit? You may be feeling overwhelmed about where to start, but fear not. It isn't as challenging as it seems. Mushroom farming is growing in popularity because people are really starting to […]

The post A Getting Started Guide to Mushroom Farming for Beginners appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Rainwater Harvesting for Permacultures

Would you like your garden to harvest rainwater efficiently? Would you like to have a garden that is not only flood-proof, but drought-proof too, not to mention that it costs much less to irrigate? If so, then this article will introduce some techniques for making these wishes a reality. You may be surprised to hear […]

The post Rainwater Harvesting for Permacultures appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Bugs Eating Your Vegetables? These Flowers Can Help!

Certain flowers can be a deterrent for bugs eating your vegetables. Gone are the days when vegetable gardens were planted in neat, perfectly measured rows that would please the toughest drill sergeant. Flowers, which don’t take well to precision planting, were relegated to their own beds. These days, organic gardeners understand that vegetables and flowers […]

The post Bugs Eating Your Vegetables? These Flowers Can Help! appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Know When to Harvest Garlic

Garlic is a staple in my kitchen. If I don’t have any on hand, it’s because I need to hit the grocery store to re-stock my cooking basics. Otherwise, I typically have multiple varieties ready to go. The first time I tasted a locally grown clove, my eyes opened up to a world of garlic […]

The post How to Know When to Harvest Garlic appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

5 All-Natural Garden Fungus Treatments.

Natural Garden Fungus Treatments I’ve been gardening for more than 40 years. I’m particularly fond of vegetable gardening, although my wife is an avid gardener with flowers and decorative plants. Both of us, though, have confronted the challenge of various forms of fungus growing on leaves, and we’re both very hesitant about any chemical sprays. […]

The post 5 All-Natural Garden Fungus Treatments. appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

14 of the Worst Garden Pests and How to Control Them

Gardening brings you endless joy, wonderful meals, and beautiful flowers. But it can also be a challenge. Every garden, no matter how well maintained, comes with garden pests that want to eat your vegetables and destroy your blossoms. There are more pests out there than we could cover in one article, so we're covering the […]

The post 14 of the Worst Garden Pests and How to Control Them appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

2 Vertical Garden Irrigation Options to Keep Your Living Wall Flourishing

Have you ever heard of or seen a vertical garden? If you're not familiar with the different styles of gardening, you may wonder why anyone would grow a garden vertically. Being able to grow in any situation is important. I’m going to walk you through when a vertical garden could work in your growing situation. […]

The post 2 Vertical Garden Irrigation Options to Keep Your Living Wall Flourishing appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Install and Use a Soaker Hose in Your Garden

Keeping your garden watered effectively can be tough and time-consuming, can’t it? Whether you’re new to gardening or trying to find a better way to care for your garden, you should consider soaker hoses. They’re easy to buy and make. Plus, soaker hoses have a ton of benefits. If you’re interested in learning more about […]

The post How to Install and Use a Soaker Hose in Your Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Natural Mosquito Repellents That Work (Plus Plants That Repel Mosquitoes)

Mosquitoes can ruin time outside and transmit disease. In this post, we’ll discuss what attracts mosquitoes, natural mosquito repellents (including mosquito spray recipes), plants that repel mosquitoes, mosquito control tips for your yard, and ways to avoid getting bit. Why bother with mosquito control? What’s the most dangerous creature on earth? Without question the answer […]

The post Natural Mosquito Repellents That Work (Plus Plants That Repel Mosquitoes) appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

17 Unique DIY Daybed Ideas Perfect for a Multipurpose Space

A DIY daybed can be the perfect solution for any ‘space' issues you have in your home. If you need a unique space to sleep or for a guest to sleep, and you need a couch during the day in the same space, but you'd also love some extra storage space, then a daybed is […]

The post 17 Unique DIY Daybed Ideas Perfect for a Multipurpose Space appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The Ultimate Guide to DIY Worm Composting for Beginners

Are you ready to get started with worm composting? Composting is one of the best ways to reduce your trash output and create a rich soil amendment for your garden, and worm composting is a popular method that utilizes worms to recycle kitchen and food scraps. The result of worm composting is called vermicompost, and […]

The post The Ultimate Guide to DIY Worm Composting for Beginners appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Chive Blossom Vinegar Recipe

Early spring harvest… It’s almost a non-existent concept for Wyoming peeps like me. Our growing season is short. It starts late and ends early…. which means while everyone else is bragging about their first harvests of greens and radishes, I’m still looking at snow on the ground. And even when the first pictures of ruby […]

The post Chive Blossom Vinegar Recipe appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The Right Time to Harvest These 15 Vegetables in Your Garden

I think watching a garden grow is one of the most satisfying things you can do. Plant a seed, and in the span of a few weeks, the once bare ground becomes covered by a dense canopy of edible leaves, fruits, and vegetables. When it's finally time for picking your plants out of the garden, […]

The post The Right Time to Harvest These 15 Vegetables in Your Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Bok Choy: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Bok Choy

Bok choy is probably my favorite vegetable. I love cooking Asian-style dishes, but I have a tough time finding some Asian ingredients at the supermarket – so, I grow them! I first started growing bok choy when my husband and I moved into our home. My gardening efforts began with a raised bed on the […]

The post Growing Bok Choy: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Bok Choy appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Mead – 5 Things You Need to Know (And a Recipe)

Mead may be the world's oldest alcoholic beverage. Many modern versions are just for enjoyment, but we'll show you why (and how) to brew old school (naturally fermented) mead. Why naturally fermented? Beyond the unique flavor possibilities of wild ferments, they also have probiotic and potential medicinal qualities. In a world where antibiotic resistant bacteria […]

The post Mead – 5 Things You Need to Know (And a Recipe) appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How To Grow 6-Inch Tomato Plants In Only 1 Week

Make the most of your tomato plants I have a confession (one that I’ve made here before): I don’t start seeds indoors. If they can be sown directly, I do that. Most of my garden does get started from seeds. But I buy some seedlings, namely tomatoes and eggplants. At the garden center, of course […]

The post How To Grow 6-Inch Tomato Plants In Only 1 Week appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Ease Your Aches with These 14 Plants That Relieve Pain

Dealing with pain is something that we all have to face during our lives. When it’s a minor injury or a sore muscle, most people reach for over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. While these drugs work, they can have adverse side effects, like nausea, weakness, sweating, diarrhea, or even liver failure. Some people can't […]

The post Ease Your Aches with These 14 Plants That Relieve Pain appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

This Tiny House Is Off Grid Perfection

Image: Living Big in a Tiny House When you think of downsizing and living off the grid, you might picture a cute tiny home with a couple of solar panels on the roof, a composting toilet, and a garden. But there are many more sustainable technologies available to those looking to get off the grid. […]

The post This Tiny House Is Off Grid Perfection appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Grow the Perfect Salsa Garden

Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesdays? Tell me because I want to find them and convince them that they’re incredibly wrong in their thinking. Mexican food is delicious and usually easy to make, and every dish bursts with flavor. If you love Mexican food and gardening as much as I do, then you need to grow […]

The post How to Grow the Perfect Salsa Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The Chokecherry, Why The Native Americans Prized This Survival Berry.

Chokecherry The modern back-to-basics food movement has led many people to rediscover plants used for centuries in the past. One particularly useful plant that grows in abundance around the country is the versatile chokecherry. Due to their quick and abundant growth, along with their tart berries, chokecherries have been planted in tree rows for wind […]

The post The Chokecherry, Why The Native Americans Prized This Survival Berry. appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

4 Reasons America Is STILL The Greatest Nation On Earth

America, The Greatest Nation On Earth With all of the turmoil and controversy in our nation over the last few decades, it’s easy to criticize the USA. However, it is times like these that we need to gird up our loins, fight for what we believe in, and remember that despite the many faults we […]

The post 4 Reasons America Is STILL The Greatest Nation On Earth appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

All You Need to Know About Drip Irrigation Before Deciding If It Suits You

Are you trying to develop an easier way to keep your garden watered consistently without adding any extra chores to your plate? It can become confusing when you research different irrigation systems. Drip irrigation is one of the most common irrigation systems. I’m going to walk you through how drip irrigation works, the different parts […]

The post All You Need to Know About Drip Irrigation Before Deciding If It Suits You appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Plant, Grow and Harvest Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) originates from the Mediterranean region but can be successfully grown around the world given the right conditions. This perennial is fairly hardy and will reward you with aromatic leaves to use in your cuisine ranging from roast lamb to soups, poultry and casseroles. Keep cutting off small twigs – a little goes […]

The post How to Plant, Grow and Harvest Rosemary appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Preparing A Homesteader Herbal First-Aid Kit

Aloe Vera Is A Must Have In Any Herbal First-Aid Kit I have a long history with conventional medicine and allergies. More than a handful of times, I ended up in the hospital due to a reaction from the treatment for an illness. Should the cure be worse than the illness? Well, my mother didn’t […]

The post Preparing A Homesteader Herbal First-Aid Kit appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The Fast Growing Meat Goat You Won’t Ever Have To Feed

Kiko Goat: The Fast Growing Meat Goat You Do Not Have To Feed We homesteaders usually go for the Boers, Nubians and Spanish breeds when choosing the type of meat goats to raise. These goat varieties deliver the bulk and poundage we want when it’s time to sell them or use for our own consumption. […]

The post The Fast Growing Meat Goat You Won’t Ever Have To Feed appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Marvelous Milkweed – Answers to 21 Common Questions

Milkweed is a “must have” for butterfly gardening, but the right milkweed plants are good for people, too. We’ll share answers to some of the most common questions about growing and using these beautiful native plants. What is a milkweed plant good for? Most people know that monarch butterflies rely on milkweed to survive, but […]

The post Marvelous Milkweed – Answers to 21 Common Questions appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Summer Solutions For Painful Insect Stings and Bites

Wasp stings are acidic which means an alkaline pain solution. Insect stings and bites can be painful. So can stings from many poisonous plants. Now that its summer, its important to have some alternative solutions for stings and bites. Some of this is because their venom or juice is either highly acidic or highly alkaline. […]

The post Summer Solutions For Painful Insect Stings and Bites appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

5 Tips for a Bee Friendly Yard – Help Save the Bees

What can you do to help the bees? We'll share how to help save the bees and create a bee friendly yard for honey bees, bumble bees and native bees without spending a ton of money. Whether it's honey bees, bumblebees, mason bees or other native bees, we need our bees. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) […]

The post 5 Tips for a Bee Friendly Yard – Help Save the Bees appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

4 Best Reasons To Grow a Living Roof! Beautiful, Beneficial, Efficient, Green Living Rooftops

Planting a garden on your roof might sound strange, but rooftop vegetation can have a huge positive impact on the environment and on your bank account. A green roof, or living roof, is a roof that is covered in a layer of vegetation. Plants on a living roof can include sod, flowers, vegetables, succulents, or […]

The post 4 Best Reasons To Grow a Living Roof! Beautiful, Beneficial, Efficient, Green Living Rooftops appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

9 Tricks To Keep Your Garden Animal Free, Without A Fence

Rabbits can destroy a garden quickly. It is important to keep your garden animal free One of the joys of living off the grid is being able to see and enjoy sharing your property with abundant wildlife. While deer, raccoons, rabbits and other creatures are an enjoyable sight from a distance, they are another matter […]

The post 9 Tricks To Keep Your Garden Animal Free, Without A Fence appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Home Security Plants That Will Deter Intruders

Some plants can provide an extra “layer” for extreme home security. If you’ve ever tangled with a berry patch or accidentally backed into a Spanish Dagger, then you know how painful they can be. When strategically placed, plants can act as an efficient form of home security defense without having to invest a lot of […]

The post Home Security Plants That Will Deter Intruders appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The Homesteader’s Guide to Prepping for Blackouts

Are you prepared for a power outage? A power outage could happen at any time due to weather, accidents, terrorism, or any other innumerable possibilities. Outages can last from a few minutes to a few days and even weeks. It is hard to imagine what life would be like should the power go out for […]

The post The Homesteader’s Guide to Prepping for Blackouts appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

9 Irrigation System Options for Effortless Watering on Your Garden

If you have been trudging around your homestead for any amount of time with a bucket or hosepipe, you would at some time have considered a better solution – something like an irrigation system. By first understanding the full gamut of irrigation systems, it will help you decide which is right for you and then […]

The post 9 Irrigation System Options for Effortless Watering on Your Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Tomato Fertilizer: How to Feed Your Plants for the Ultimate Harvest

You’re not a real gardener unless you’ve successfully grown tomatoes. That's how I suspect some green-thumbed folks feel. So if you've struggled to get your tomato plants to thrive, you may be wondering what you did wrong. While there are plenty of culprits for a lackluster tomato harvest, perfecting your tomato fertilizer routine is an […]

The post Tomato Fertilizer: How to Feed Your Plants for the Ultimate Harvest appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Peaches: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Peaches

Biting into a ripe peach is an experience. The bright sweetness of the flesh and the tangy skin are unbeatable, especially if you can find one fresh off the tree. That's why growing peaches is so rewarding. It's one of those fruits that the grocery store version can't replicate. Unfortunately, if you live in a […]

The post Growing Peaches: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Peaches appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

3 Off-Grid Ways To Make Dandelion Wine (Yes, Wine)

Dandelion Wine You’ve heard the motivational phrase about making lemonade from lemons. Well, what about making wine out of weeds? Literally. The next time you see a fresh crop of dandelions spreading across your lawn, don’t think about how you are going to kill them. Instead, think about the great wine you are going to […]

The post 3 Off-Grid Ways To Make Dandelion Wine (Yes, Wine) appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Broody Hens: Causes, Breeds, and How to Take Care of Them

Broody hens can be viewed as a burden or the greatest asset to your chicken flock, depending on your outlook and goals. A broody hen is a chicken that wants to sit and hatch a clutch of eggs. If you have no plans to grow your flock of chickens, broody hens mean a reduction of […]

The post Broody Hens: Causes, Breeds, and How to Take Care of Them appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Drip Irrigation

Rain rain go away, come on back some other day! What happens when the rain does go away, and your plants are suffering from lack of water? Some people turn on the sprinklers, but drip irrigation may be the best way to protect your plants from drought and keep them healthy. Irrigation is essential for […]

The post Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Drip Irrigation appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Are You and Your Family Really Ready For A Power Grid Failure?

Are we really ready for a power grid failure? The dangers to our aging, fragile electrical grid are numerous. Over the last few years, many of us have focused on the risk of an EMP, mostly fueled by North Korea’s nuclear and ICBM testing. But that may not be the biggest risk our power grid […]

The post Are You and Your Family Really Ready For A Power Grid Failure? appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

20 Types of Moss to Consider for Your Next Garden Project

I’ve always been fascinated by moss. The way it grows close to the ground and in clumps or mats is so unlike anything else. I’ve always felt drawn to gardens that utilize moss, and finding it growing wild feels like a treat. Mosses grow nearly anywhere, and there are so many different types of moss, […]

The post 20 Types of Moss to Consider for Your Next Garden Project appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Peas

Peas are a delicious and easy to grow food suitable for almost any garden or homestead. There are many types and varieties of peas that may fit in well with your garden plans. You can choose from dwarf or vining varieties, snow, sweet, or snap peas, edible or inedible pods, quick harvesting or longer, sweeter […]

The post How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Peas appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Make All-Natural Homemade Products Using Coconut Oil.

Coconut Oil can be used to make all-natural homemade products for your everyday use. Coconut oil is labeled as a superfood, and for excellent reason. Considered the “tree of life” in much of India, the Philippines, Southeast Asia and other tropical locations, the coconut tree can now be found in more than 75 countries throughout […]

The post Make All-Natural Homemade Products Using Coconut Oil. appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

37 Plastic Milk Jug Hacks You Can Try at Home

Do you have tons of used milk jugs hanging around your home? You don’t want to toss them because it seems wasteful, but you aren’t exactly sure what to do with them, right? It’s hard to get milk jugs out of our lives because most people drink some kind of milk. Unless you raise dairy […]

The post 37 Plastic Milk Jug Hacks You Can Try at Home appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

6 Quick Steps To A Debt-Free Homesteading Budget

A homesteading budget can be difficult to manage Homesteading in this modern world comes with its own set of challenges — money management being one of them. Budgeting is a very important aspect of managing personal finances, regardless of lifestyle. For homesteaders it is especially important since the lifestyle is often more “risky” than a […]

The post 6 Quick Steps To A Debt-Free Homesteading Budget appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

What Is Biennial Bearing and How Can You Prevent It?

Are your fruit trees throwing you through a loop? Are they producing a great harvest one year and hardly anything the next? I found myself in a similar predicament when I became the proud owner of a small orchard. I couldn’t figure out what was going on. To solve the mystery, I began doing my […]

The post What Is Biennial Bearing and How Can You Prevent It? appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Extend Your Cool Season Crops and Spare Your Soil Despite the Heat

After our 19th consecutive day of over 85°F weather with only 1/10th an inch of rain in more than a month, it's starting to feel like the Sahara on our homestead. Oh, did I mention it's still spring? We technically live in “The South” as in the Southern United States, which is known for hot […]

The post How to Extend Your Cool Season Crops and Spare Your Soil Despite the Heat appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Bt Corn – What it is, and Why Should You Care About it

Most of the corn grown in the United States is Bt corn, but what is it, and why should you care? In this post, we explain the basics of Bt corn and some pros and cons. What is Bt corn? Bt corn is corn that is genetically engineered to produce insecticidal proteins from the bacterium […]

The post Bt Corn – What it is, and Why Should You Care About it appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

6 Power Grid Problems That Should Terrify You

Power grid problems The American culture survives on a lifeline of electrical wires. This power grid crisscrosses the country, bringing electricity to homes, offices, factories, warehouses, farms, traffic lights and even campgrounds. Pretty much everywhere you go, you can count on being able to plug in and have electricity to use. It’s a good thing […]

The post 6 Power Grid Problems That Should Terrify You appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Stuffed Up Already? Try This Summer Allergy Sinus Solution

Before you run to the pharmacy, try this safe and effective summer allergy sinus solution. With early summer allergies on the rise, lots of folks are looking for a summer allergy sinus solution to clear up the sinuses and get breathing again. So once you begin to notice mucus is starting to build up in […]

The post Stuffed Up Already? Try This Summer Allergy Sinus Solution appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Five Reliable Guns You Might Consider During Trying Times

Having reliable guns to choose from is important when it comes to protecting your family. Let’s imagine for a moment that the world of tax-funded public safety and well-stocked grocery stores are a thing of the past. Then you, perhaps with a handful of family and friends, must fend for yourself in a tough and […]

The post Five Reliable Guns You Might Consider During Trying Times appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Figs: A Complete Guide on How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Figs

Do you have a soft spot for figs, but you’re tired of paying high prices when purchasing them from your local supermarket? Instead of spending an arm and a leg on buying figs, consider growing your own. Figs are easy to plant, they grow well in almost any planting zone, and they require a minimal […]

The post Growing Figs: A Complete Guide on How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Figs appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Roasted Red Pepper Strips in Olive Oil

Most people roast their red peppers whole in the oven or over a grill, and then leave them in a plastic bag to sweat before removing the skins. I have done my peppers a different way so at to: eliminate the use of plastic reduce the amount of electricity used in turning on a big […]

The post Roasted Red Pepper Strips in Olive Oil appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Great Summertime “Off-The-Grid” Grass Clipping Uses

There are several grass clipping uses that actually improve your soil. People that have lawns both small and big can understand how much of a chore cutting the grass can be. But even worse – what do you do in all the grass clippings once you’ve finished mowing? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that […]

The post Great Summertime “Off-The-Grid” Grass Clipping Uses appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Attract Bees To Your Garden In These Eight Easy And Simple Ways

You can attract bees who will eagerly pollinate your plants and help create a beautiful and bountiful harvest. If you have ever had trouble growing certain vegetables like cucumbers in your garden, it may not be the soil that is the problem. It is more than likely that you don’t have a good way to […]

The post Attract Bees To Your Garden In These Eight Easy And Simple Ways appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

5 Secrets To Jump Start Your Summer Garden

Photo credit: Bruce Mars Whether you are new to gardening, are moving into a new home, or are just getting ready for your annual summer garden, there are steps you should take now, to make sure you are prepared to plant soon. So, let’s take a look at a few things you need to make […]

The post 5 Secrets To Jump Start Your Summer Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Busting the Myths About Using Eggshells in the Garden

I love eggs. I eat them often for breakfast and always have a carton of fresh farm eggs on hand. One day, I hope to have a few chickens and collect fresh eggs each morning, but until then, I’ll settle with my CSA eggs. Once I have my own supply, I've considered how I can […]

The post Busting the Myths About Using Eggshells in the Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Savory: The Complete Guide to Plant, Grow and Harvest Savory

Savory is an underappreciated herb. It has a wonderful peppery taste without being too spicy. The plant looks like a cross between rosemary and thyme, and it's the ultimate lure for bees, attracting them instantly with its aroma. I swear I can taste the spiciness in my honey. Whether you are growing savory for cooking […]

The post Growing Savory: The Complete Guide to Plant, Grow and Harvest Savory appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How Taking One Family Camping Trip A Year Will Benefit Everyone.

Family Camping Can Be So Much Fun If you have never taken your kids on a family camping trip, it is time to reconsider. They joys of spending time together in nature with the ones you love are immeasurable. Family camping is a great time to reconnect with each other, especially in this age laden […]

The post How Taking One Family Camping Trip A Year Will Benefit Everyone. appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Homemade Mosquito Repellent Secrets

Homemade mosquito repellent produced with essential oils means safer summertime activities outdoors. I have always been a target for bugs. I can be with a group of people at an outdoor event and be the only one who goes home with mosquito bites. Whereas flies might just land on others around me, they bite me. […]

The post Homemade Mosquito Repellent Secrets appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

4 Ways to Sterilize Jars

It’s an age-old debate, and likely one that you’ve found yourself engaged in with old fashioned canning enthusiasts and new-age canners alike from time to time. Do you need to sterilize your canning jars? The short answer…. most of the time. But if you’re unsure of whether you need to sterilize – or how, exactly, […]

The post 4 Ways to Sterilize Jars appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

25 Flowering Bushes That Add Beauty to Your Garden

Flowering bushes are one of my favorite things about my garden because they add beauty to an area without needing too much maintenance. Aside from some occasional pruning throughout the year, flowering bushes are perfect for those who want low-maintenance landscaping with a lot of impact. My property has a variety of flowering bushes. Azaleas […]

The post 25 Flowering Bushes That Add Beauty to Your Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Home Freeze Drying – Read this Before You Buy a Freeze Dryer

Thinking about getting a freeze dryer? We'll explain how home freeze drying works, and answer questions about freeze dried food storage for emergencies and more. Why get a freeze dryer? I've been curious about home freeze drying ever since I did an interview with Dr. Prepper back in 2015. The doc raved about his home […]

The post Home Freeze Drying – Read this Before You Buy a Freeze Dryer appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Wild Lettuce – Sleep Aid and Pain Reliever – Weekly Weeder #24

Wild lettuce has a long history of use as a sleep aid and pain reliever. We'll cover how identify and use wild lettuce, potential side effects, and how to get rid of it if it's taking over your yard and garden. Today’s featured plant is Wild Lettuce, Lactuca virosa and Lactuca serriola. Wild Lettuce is […]

The post Wild Lettuce – Sleep Aid and Pain Reliever – Weekly Weeder #24 appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Natural Rabbit Repellents For Your Garden

Natural Rabbit Repellents For Your Garden I’m an avid gardener and prefer to do things the natural way. That being said, I spend a lot of time composting, planting heritage fruits and vegetables, and using natural ways to control insects. But while the bugs can be bad, rabbits can wipe out a garden overnight. So, […]

The post Natural Rabbit Repellents For Your Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Prevent and Get Rid of Corn Smut

If you have a backyard garden in one of the warmer growing zones, you’ve likely been left scratching your head a time or two over corn smut. This disease is a fascinating – albeit troublesome – beast, found typically in small, urban gardens instead of in large, commercial productions. This disease appears on the ears, […]

The post How to Prevent and Get Rid of Corn Smut appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

4 Best Methods to Dry Basil and Preserve Your Harvest

Every herb gardener has struggled with a harvest that they don't know how to use up before it goes bad. Or perhaps you long for homegrown flavors in the middle of the winter. Either way, learning how to dry basil will let you extend your basil harvest. I think basil can be an acquired taste […]

The post 4 Best Methods to Dry Basil and Preserve Your Harvest appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Walking Stick Uses – An Important And Versatile Survival Tool

Use A Walking Stick As A Survival Tool In all the lists I’ve seen for bug out equipment, I’ve never seen anyone talk about including a walking stick. I guess, since we’re all trying to save weight, adding a walking stick to your pack might seem like a frivolity. Yet adding a walking stick to […]

The post Walking Stick Uses – An Important And Versatile Survival Tool appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Unlimited Cellular Data Plans – High Speed Internet Alternative

We've been looking for good high speed internet alternatives for years. A couple months ago, we came across pre-paid bundled cellular data plans. This is the best option for our rural location (so far), and is also popular with the RV crowd. We'll explain how bundled cellular data internet access works and some pros and […]

The post Unlimited Cellular Data Plans – High Speed Internet Alternative appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The Root Cellar – Cheap Refrigeration

root cellars – a low cost option for keeping food cool The more time I spend as a prepper and survivalist, the more I find myself trying to integrate my survival plans into my daily life. This probably started out with keeping an EDC bag and first-aid kit in my car, something like 40 years […]

The post The Root Cellar – Cheap Refrigeration appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Tigernut Chocolate Chip Cookies – Grain Free, Nut Free, Paleo

These tigernut chocolate chip cookies are a uniquely delicious take on America's favorite homemade cookie. We first gave these a try for New Year's Eve, when we had friends with food allergies visiting. Since then we've made them a number of times using different sugars and different fats. The texture changes a bit, but all […]

The post Tigernut Chocolate Chip Cookies – Grain Free, Nut Free, Paleo appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Clever Home Defense Tactics That Will Keep You Safe And Secure

Having a plan that includes clever home defense tactics will help ensure that you will be prepared in the event of a break-in. Many people own weapons for the purpose of protecting their home, but they may not know clever home defense tactics that will keep them safe. However, how many people actually have a […]

The post Clever Home Defense Tactics That Will Keep You Safe And Secure appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The Good and The Bad About Using Urine as Garden Fertilizer

Gardeners have different opinion when it comes to using urine in the garden as fertilizer. It is a great nutrient source for plants, but it also has some risks. Not to mention some people are grossed out by urine. Before we begin, I should let you know that I'm a pro-pee and have been using […]

The post The Good and The Bad About Using Urine as Garden Fertilizer appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

5 Forgotten Things Grandma Did With Dandelions

Dandelions aren’t just weeds In today’s world, people want everything to be neat, tidy and uniform – including their yards. The grass, we’re told, should be one smooth, green carpet. But that’s easier said than done! Everyone knows that if you don’t pull them or spray them, “weeds” such as dandelions will be the first […]

The post 5 Forgotten Things Grandma Did With Dandelions appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Here’s How To Prep For When Flood Waters Come

Rising flood waters make for one of the harder natural disasters to prep for. Flooding in Midwest farmlands has gotten out of hand, destroying hundreds of millions of dollars worth of farms, livestock and stored grain from last fall’s harvest; once again reminding us of the devastating power of water. While not totally unexpected, this […]

The post Here’s How To Prep For When Flood Waters Come appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

5 Ways for Peeling Garlic

Peeling garlic can be a sticky, tedious task. The husks are often evasive and the more you handle garlic, the harder it is to work with. Once those garlic oils get between your fingers or under your fingernails it’s easy to feel defeated. But with a few simple tricks, you can take your garlic prep […]

The post 5 Ways for Peeling Garlic appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

16 DIY Cold Frames to Extend Your Growing Season

Are you interested in year-round gardening? Would you like to be able to start your own seeds and have a designated place to harden them off? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it sounds as though you need a cold frame. You can purchase them already put together, or you can save […]

The post 16 DIY Cold Frames to Extend Your Growing Season appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Strawberries And Onions: The Gardening Odd Couple That Should Be Planted Together

Strawberries pair well with onions Early crops can be a much-appreciated moral boost. As far as these first-on-the-scene producers are concerned, few can compare with freshly ripe, home-grown strawberries. And while a perfectly manicured bed filled exclusively with eager little strawberry plants has a certain storybook appeal, you may be surprised to discover what many […]

The post Strawberries And Onions: The Gardening Odd Couple That Should Be Planted Together appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

7 Common Bean Problems And How To Avoid Them

Common bean problems Nothing quite compares to the taste of fresh beans directly out of your own garden. Visually interesting, easy to grow and relatively low maintenance, it is no wonder that these are a gardening favorite. Beans are legumes – that is, plants which grow pods which contain a single row of seeds. It […]

The post 7 Common Bean Problems And How To Avoid Them appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Feijoa: The Complete Guide to Plant, Grow and Harvest Feijoa

Feijoa are my favorite fruit. Luckily for me, the pretty shrubs are prolific, and the harvest can be used in so many ways. Growing feijoa is easy because the plants have few pests and aren't demanding. Even better, the slow-growing, mid-sized evergreen looks good in landscaping thanks to the pretty flowers. Never heard of feijoa? […]

The post Growing Feijoa: The Complete Guide to Plant, Grow and Harvest Feijoa appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

All-Natural Tricks To Rid Your Yard Of Insects

Summer insects are a nuisance The outdoors is a great place to be, but the enjoyment quickly can turn to annoyance when the bugs find you. Flies and mosquitoes not only deliver a painful bite but can also expose you to disease. You could douse yourself in a store-bought, Deet-based bug spray — or you […]

The post All-Natural Tricks To Rid Your Yard Of Insects appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Cool Weather Crops: The List, Growing Methods, and How to Preserve

At certain times of the year, we often suggest planting ‘cool weather crops.' But do you know which plants fall under the category of ‘cool weather?’ And if they do fall into this category, when is it cool enough to plant them but not too cool to where it’ll damage the plants? Where can these […]

The post Cool Weather Crops: The List, Growing Methods, and How to Preserve appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Coriander Pesto – No Cook Recipe

When you have grown a herb garden, you are naturally keen to use your produce to make those long lazy afternoons around a grazing table memorable and what better way to use up your homegrown coriander, mint and a lemon from the home orchard than for this recipe. We all know about pesto made with […]

The post Coriander Pesto – No Cook Recipe appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

13 DIY Options for a Drip Irrigation System to Save You Time and Money

Are you concerned about watering your garden this summer? It can be difficult to keep plants watered on hot days, and it’s even more of a concern when you’re planning on being out of town. Having a drip irrigation system can help keep your plants alive and thriving even when you aren’t around or aren’t […]

The post 13 DIY Options for a Drip Irrigation System to Save You Time and Money appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

When to Harvest Potatoes to Get the Best Results

Ah, potatoes. The humblest of vegetables. I grow them every year even though I have a relatively small garden space. I find a way to make room for potatoes. My harvest is hit or miss, depending on the year, but it’s always lovely to see the plants grow. The foliage fills up the garden quickly, […]

The post When to Harvest Potatoes to Get the Best Results appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Thinning Fruit Trees the Right Way for a Bountiful Harvest

When we moved to our current farm, I was blown away by the gorgeous older fruit trees we had on the property. At our previous farm, we were still in the early stages of growing our orchard. This meant I had to fast forward and learn what must be done to keep this established orchard […]

The post Thinning Fruit Trees the Right Way for a Bountiful Harvest appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The 3 Best Ways To Protect Your Garden Soil From Storm Erosion

Excess rain can cause soil erosion in your garden Have you been preparing your soil for growing vegetables and other crops in your garden, only to see it washed away in storms? The valuable time and energy you spend – and the compost and manure you are layering into your garden beds — should be […]

The post The 3 Best Ways To Protect Your Garden Soil From Storm Erosion appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Grow Bay Leaves

There’s nothing quite like a crunchy bay leaf to lend a savory flavor to your soups, stews, or stir fries. If you’re familiar with growing herbs and are looking for a more challenging option, you might want to consider growing the bay leaf plant. Also known as bay laurel, sweet bay, and laurel, this plant […]

The post How to Grow Bay Leaves appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The Ancient Superfood That Lowers Cholesterol, And Improves Digestion

Flax Seeds They may be little but they are quite powerful. Flax seeds have been around for thousands of years and are still topping the charts as a delicious and nutritious superfood. Sometimes referred to as linseeds, these little brown gems contain the richest sources of plant-based Omega-3 fatty acids (sometimes called alpha-linolenic acid – […]

The post The Ancient Superfood That Lowers Cholesterol, And Improves Digestion appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Sage: The Complete Guide to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Sage

On any given year, you'll find me growing sage all over my property because it's one of my favorite herbs. It's indispensable in cooking, but there's much more to this wonderful plant than just dinner. Sage has antiseptic properties and can be used to treat cuts, sores, and ulcers. It aids the digestion of fats, […]

The post Growing Sage: The Complete Guide to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Sage appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

The Most Important Survival Item You Didn’t Buy

Image source: alleghenymountainschool.org You might have a decent stockpile, a few guns and maybe even a small garden. Whatever the case, none of it will save you in a crisis without THIS. Right now, there is just one way to still get it. And it will soon be gone as well. The most important survival […]

The post The Most Important Survival Item You Didn’t Buy appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

5 Tips To Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are beautiful and entertaining to watch. While some gardeners can go years without ever seeing sight of tiny hummingbirds, most of us can agree that these curious little birds are often buzzing around us while we are working in the garden. Not only are hummingbirds delightfully sweet and small, but there are some really […]

The post 5 Tips To Attract Hummingbirds appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Cory Booker Is All In On A National Gun Licensing Program

Cory Booker’s national gun licensing proposal is a desperate bid to save his dying presidential campaign. (Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) proposes national gun licensing as part of his presidential campaign. In essence, Booker wants all Americans to get a federal license to buy a gun. Specifically, you will […]

The post Cory Booker Is All In On A National Gun Licensing Program appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Garden in a Cold Climate

It’s mid-May. The grass is green. We had snow last week. The neighbors north of us got four inches of HAIL a couple days ago. And this is totally normal. There’s really no sense complaining about it, since that’s just how we roll in Wyoming. But hey, I figured this is perfect timing, so let’s […]

The post How to Garden in a Cold Climate appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Time-Tested Essential Oils That Insects Simply Hate

Essential oils that repel insects Insect bites can put a damper on even the most beautiful spring and summer night. Unfortunately, so can the intense aroma and harmful effects of insect repellents. Thankfully, there are essential oils that repel insects, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. Essential oils can provide a safe and natural way […]

The post Time-Tested Essential Oils That Insects Simply Hate appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

What is a Walipini Greenhouse and Do You Need One?

I have a lovely greenhouse situated adjacent to an irrigation pond, in a micro-climate protected from the worst winds by trees. Between the pond and the North side of the greenhouse, I have a lemon and an olive tree, winter greens, and seed starts. I manage to keep this area above freezing about 11 months […]

The post What is a Walipini Greenhouse and Do You Need One? appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Caramelized Onions – Easy Recipe

There is no rushing the making of caramelized onions as it is a reaction that occurs when pyrolysis occurs – the word comes from the Greek meaning fire (pyr) and separating (lysis). When the onion is heated, the cells within the onion containing the plant sugars – the polysaccharides and disaccharides – undergo a change […]

The post Caramelized Onions – Easy Recipe appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

5 Common Gardening Myths Debunked (Backed with Research and Experience)

I am one of those gardeners who experiments a lot. Now, I'm not a scientist, and I don't hold myself to the scientific standard. That's because, at the end of the day, my garden must grow enough food for me to live on for most of the year. Regardless, I read as much scientific research […]

The post 5 Common Gardening Myths Debunked (Backed with Research and Experience) appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Test Your Garden Soil With This Easy Do It Yourself Kit

If you’re new to gardening, testing your soil might seem difficult. You could purchase a soil pH testing kit from a nursery or garden center, but they often come with a big price tag. And they aren’t always reliable. Another option is to have your local Cooperative Extension Office test your soil for pH levels […]

The post Test Your Garden Soil With This Easy Do It Yourself Kit appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Bernie Wants To Destroy Charter Schools

Sanders plans to deprive charter schools of tax money Leading Democratic presidential contender, US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) wants to destroy charter schools. Bernie “wants to destroy the best schools poor urban kids have,” the liberal Intelligencer charges. In fact, the Intelligencer claims, “the best-managed charter systems produce dramatically better outcomes for low-income urban children, […]

The post Bernie Wants To Destroy Charter Schools appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Prepare Your Flower Beds for Spring

The weather is starting to warm up, and while you may be focusing all your efforts on preparing your vegetable gardens and animal pastures for spring, make sure you don’t overlook your flower beds. Everybody wants a touch of color on the homestead, and flower beds are also beneficial in that they attract pollinators and […]

The post How to Prepare Your Flower Beds for Spring appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

AI Surveillance Of Shoppers: Walmart’s Newest Tool To Grab Your Data

Walmart’s AI surveillance of shoppers is yet another chapter in the ongoing fight for consumer data protection in America. (Photo Credit: Mike Mozart / CC BY 2.0 / (MGN)) Walmart is beginning to use AI surveillance of shoppers on Long Island in a move that is bound to generate some major privacy concerns. In particular, […]

The post AI Surveillance Of Shoppers: Walmart’s Newest Tool To Grab Your Data appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Well, Venezuela Is Done…

Socialism has destroyed yet another country… As I’m writing this, Venezuelans are eating dogs, cats and pigeons. The lucky ones get some supplies (after waiting in line for hours on end, that is). They may have water (rain water, I guess), but the food is gone, not to mention other supplies. How did this happen […]

The post Well, Venezuela Is Done… appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Start a Cut Flower Bed in Your Vegetable Garden

I've been growing herbs and vegetables for years. I also grow a lot of perennial flowers and self-seeding annual flowers to keep my pollinator population happy. But, I have never grown flowers to cut for bouquets. Now though, I've been on my current homestead 5 years. I have finally arrived at the point where I […]

The post How to Start a Cut Flower Bed in Your Vegetable Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Catnip – Uses for People and Cats – Weekly Weeder #19

Cats love catnip, but did you know humans can use it too? We’ll share catnip identification, uses and benefits, plus tips on safe and fun use for kitty. What is catnip? Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is also known as catnep, catmint, catrup, catswort. It’s a perennial herb that’s a member of the mint family. Many people […]

The post Catnip – Uses for People and Cats – Weekly Weeder #19 appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Save Lives By Being Prepared For Dangerous Communications “Blackouts”

An encrypted radio is one of many ways to cope with dangerous communications blackouts. Communications security or “COMSEC” as the military calls it, is just as important for those of us who want to survive whatever comes our way as it is for the military. The big problem for us though is that buying the […]

The post Save Lives By Being Prepared For Dangerous Communications “Blackouts” appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Music for Plants – What Helps Plants Grow and What Doesn’t

We know plants don't have ears, so how can playing music for plants help them grow? It's all about the vibration. We'll share what music works best for plant growth based on studies and experiments in our own garden. Plant Music? Really? When reading The Secret Life of Plants, I discovered Sonic Bloom – musical […]

The post Music for Plants – What Helps Plants Grow and What Doesn’t appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Is A Catastrophic Food Shortage Coming To America And The World?

Will excessive flooding in the Midwestern United States contribute to a worldwide and catastrophic food shortage? Extreme weather could create a catastrophic food shortage in America. In fact, people all over the world could starve because of destructive weather in the American Midwest. In fact, catastrophic weather is destroying vast amounts of food in America’s […]

The post Is A Catastrophic Food Shortage Coming To America And The World? appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

30+ Ways to Use a Whole Chicken

(Photo Credit: Lindsay Linton Buk/Linton Productions) What is up with America’s fascination with chicken breasts? If you thumb through most cookbooks or Pinterest, you’d quickly come to the conclusion that that chickens don’t even have other edible parts. The vast majority of recipes are suspiciously absent of wings, thighs, or drumsticks in the ingredient lists. […]

The post 30+ Ways to Use a Whole Chicken appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

10 Flowers That Will Attract Colorful Butterflies To Your Garden

Butterflies are attracted to many different flowers Butterflies — those small, beautiful “flying flowers” of nature — are always a welcome sight in our gardens and herald the coming of summer. Their unique and colorful designs inspire artists and enchant children. How do we encourage butterflies to visit our garden? By having a variety of […]

The post 10 Flowers That Will Attract Colorful Butterflies To Your Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Common Blue Violet – Soothing Medicine, Inside and Out

Common blue violets (Viola sororia) are perennial wildflowers native to North America. A folklore favorite, these bright little plants are also rich in nutrition and soothing medicine. Other Names Common Blue Violet is also known as Pansy, Heart's Ease, Jump-Up, Wild Pansy, Hens and Roosters, kiss-me-at-the-gate. Other names include purple, wood, sweet, English, common, trinity, […]

The post Common Blue Violet – Soothing Medicine, Inside and Out appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Solar Extension Cords – BOGO

Buy One Solar Extension Cord Get One Free Double your solar extension cords! You’ll get a free extension cord for each cord you purchase. If you need different connectors on your second cord, simply let us know on your order. 48 Hours Only! The post <span style="color:#ff0000">Solar Extension Cords – BOGO</span> appeared first on Off […]

The post Solar Extension Cords – BOGO appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Homemade Hummingbird Food Recipe and the Best Feeder

Get a simple homemade hummingbird food recipe and an easy to clean feeder, plus tips for safe feeding and attracting more hummers to your yard. Save time and money and keep your hummers health by avoiding the red food coloring and hard to clean feeders. Homemade Hummingbird Food Recipe – Hummingbird Nectar Ingredients: Maintain a […]

The post Homemade Hummingbird Food Recipe and the Best Feeder appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How To Prepare For A Tornado To Keep Your Family Safe

A tornado is very unpredictable. You can never perfectly prepare for a tornado outbreak. Even those who live in areas coined “Tornado Alley” prepare as well as they can and then, when an outbreak happens, they pray that they and their families are one of the lucky ones to survive. Why have outlooks been so […]

The post How To Prepare For A Tornado To Keep Your Family Safe appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Winter Squash

Colorful, unique, and easy to grow, winter squash is one of the most popular types of vegetables grown in gardens all over the world. A nutritious and delicious crop, winter squash has a long storage life, allowing you to keep it with minimal care for many months without having to worry about spoilage. Luckily, growing […]

The post How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Winter Squash appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Rhubarb Bread Recipe with Fresh Rhubarb, Cinnamon and Yogurt

This easy rhubarb bread recipe combines fresh rhubarb, yogurt and a touch of cinnamon for a moist, delicious loaf. If you're a fan of quick breads, you'll want to add this recipe to your list. Harvesting Rhubarb Botanically, rhubarb is a vegetable, but it's most commonly used in sweet recipes such as pies and preserves. […]

The post Rhubarb Bread Recipe with Fresh Rhubarb, Cinnamon and Yogurt appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Use a Broadfork to Promote Good Drainage in Your Garden

Just about every article I read about starting a garden says to choose a location with good drainage. But what does ‘good drainage' even mean? Honestly, as a gardener, it took me a long time to figure what good drainage looked like and how to have it in my garden. But now, I pretty much […]

The post How to Use a Broadfork to Promote Good Drainage in Your Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Everything You Need To Know Growing White Sage for Smudging

White sage is a desert native, but thanks to a rise in popularity of the practice of smudging, more people are interested in raising the attractive herb in their neck of the woods. If you don't live in a desert climate, you may have wondered if you can succeed at growing white sage, but never […]

The post Everything You Need To Know Growing White Sage for Smudging appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Your One And Only Chance To Uncover These Lost Secrets

I just wanted to let you know that we are making available The Lost Ways 2 for a limited number of people. In the Lost Ways 2 you’ll discover almost all edible and medicinal plants in North America, including a powerful painkiller, a driveway antibiotic weed, a back-pain relief plant, and a lot more… This […]

The post Your One And Only Chance To Uncover These Lost Secrets appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Marjoram: The Complete Guide to Plant, Grow, & Harvest Marjoram

No herb garden is complete without growing marjoram. It adds flavor and scent to your garden (not to mention your kitchen). Butterflies and other helpful insects flock to marjoram, making it a great companion plant. You can quickly pinpoint marjoram in the garden. It reaches 1-2 feet tall with square stems and grey-green leaves. Small, […]

The post Growing Marjoram: The Complete Guide to Plant, Grow, & Harvest Marjoram appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

3 Forgotten Ways The Pioneers Built Fires Without Wood

Image source: Library of Congress I’m fortunate to call the windswept prairie of the Great Plains my home. If you get out of farm country, it’s just grass as far as you can see. In fact, there are still places nearly unchanged since pioneers first tried settling this area more than 100 years ago. Although […]

The post 3 Forgotten Ways The Pioneers Built Fires Without Wood appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

How to Identify and Get Rid of Cutworms From Your Garden

Have you noticed your garden isn’t thriving like you’d hoped it would? Does it appear as though something is attacking your plants from the ground up? Then you may have a cutworm problem. I’m going to walk you through how to recognize cutworms, prevent them from establishing themselves in your garden, and also how to […]

The post How to Identify and Get Rid of Cutworms From Your Garden appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Build Your Own Beehives With The Garden Beehive Construction Guide 2.0

Interested in getting your own backyard beehive? Don’t know where to start? What would you think if I told you that you can build your own beehive for less than the cost of a dinner for two at your favorite restaurant? It’s true! Nick Winters shows you how to do it in Garden Hive Construction […]

The post Build Your Own Beehives With The Garden Beehive Construction Guide 2.0 appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Looming Fire Danger May Lead To Another Round Of California Blackouts

California blackouts and deadly mega-fires will present major challenges out west during the summer months. Millions of homes could lose electricity to California blackouts this summer because of fire danger. This is because bankrupt utility company Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) plans to shut power off on high-wind days. The hope is that turning off […]

The post Looming Fire Danger May Lead To Another Round Of California Blackouts appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Spring Gardening Tricks That Will Stop Summer Weeds

A little extra work in the spring can prevent a lot of weeds later in the year. It’s a story most gardeners know all too well. We start off the growing season with a blank palette of natural soil in an atmosphere of spring optimism, always confident that this will be the best garden season […]

The post Spring Gardening Tricks That Will Stop Summer Weeds appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.

Growing Onions: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Onions

I love to cook, so naturally, onions are always somewhere in my pantry or fridge. Red, yellow, white, and gourmet varieties have all found their way into my dishes at one point or another. I can’t recall the last time I cooked and didn’t chop up an onion. I love onions raw, cooked, and caramelized. […]

The post Growing Onions: The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Onions appeared first on Homesteading Alliance.